Pros and Cons of each learning method
By Geralde Vincent-Bancroft
When it comes to learning a new language, there are many different methods that you can choose from. You can take private lessons with a tutor, or you can try a self-paced course. Both of these options have their pros and cons, so it can be difficult to decide which is the best option for you.
In this blog post, we will compare and contrast private tutors vs. self-paced courses, so that you can make an informed decision about which method is best for you!
Definition
Language learning is an interesting topic that has been studied for many years. One way to do this kind of research would be by looking at how people learn languages, which we can break down into two categories: synchronous and asynchronous methods.
Synchronous means there’s a teacher present who speaks only one language while you’re learning it through direct instruction.
Asynchronous means you’re learning the language on your own time, without a teacher present. In other words, there’s no connection between yourself (the student)and teacher.
There are many different ways to learn a new language, but private lessons with a tutor and self-paced courses are two of the most popular methods. So, what are the pros and cons of each method? Let’s take a closer look:
Private Tutoring
Advantages of a private tutor
One of the main advantages of private tutoring is that it allows for a completely customized learning experience. Your tutor can tailor each lesson to your specific needs and goals, and they can also adjust the pace of the lessons to match your learning style. For example, if you need to improve your conversational skills, they can provide you with material that is focused on real-world conversations.
If you are interested in learning about the history and culture of the country where the language is spoken, they can include this in the lessons. Private language tutors provide a flexible and customised way to learn a new language.
They are an excellent way to get personalized attention and focus on the areas where you need improvement.
guidance and support
Whether you’re struggling with a particular subject or just looking to get ahead, tutors can also provide guidance and support, helping you to develop important study skills and time management strategies.
In addition, private tutoring is a great way to prepare for standardized tests. With so many benefits, it’s no wonder that more and more students are turning to private tutors for help. You are much more likely to make progress in your language skills when you have a private tutor.
immersive environment
Private tutors can provide an immersive environment in which you can practice using the language. This is often the best way to learn a new language, as it allows you to quickly become accustomed to using the new vocabulary and grammar. As a result, private language tutors are an excellent way to rapidly improve your language skills.
Real-time feedback
You can get real-time feedback from your tutor. This is essential for immediately correcting any mistakes you might make and for consolidating what you have learned. You then can make significant progress towards your language goals.
Schedule that fits your timetable
Private language can work with you to create a schedule that fits your timetable. This is especially helpful for busy professionals who might not be able to commit to a regular language class. Because you can schedule classes to fit your timetable, you can easily fit language learning into your busy lifestyle.
Free resources and materials
You have access to free resources and materials. Private tutors provide a number of resources and materials to help you better learn a language. These may include books, flashcards, audio files, and more. These customized materials target your specific needs.
Guidance
The language tutor guides you through the materials and syllabus and they can also provide guidance and support as you navigate the cultural nuances of the language.
Disadvantages of a private tutor
To work with a private tutor, students must have a good internet connection. Private tutors often use video conferencing software such as Skype or Switchboard to conduct their lessons, and a strong and reliable internet connection is essential for ensuring high-quality audio and video.
Additionally, many private tutors use online resources such as digital whiteboards and shared documents to enhance their lessons. A good internet connection is necessary for accessing these tools. Ultimately, while a private tutor can be a great asset for any language learner, students must have a good internet connection in order to reap the full benefits of this type of instruction.
You need to consider whether or not you have access to a device with a camera and microphone. This is essential for getting the most out of your online tutoring sessions.
Without a webcam, you’ll miss out on important nonverbal cues like body language and facial expressions. And without a microphone, you won’t be able to have a back-and-forth conversation with your tutor. Make sure to check that you have the right equipment before you book your first session.
If you need to cancel a class, you may lose your money. For example, if you cancel a class with a Private Tutor a few hours before the scheduled meeting, you will still be charged for the full session.
Private Tutors are also usually not available on short notice. So, if you need to cancel a class, it is important to give as much notice as possible. If you are not able to give sufficient notice, you may be charged a cancellation fee.
Private Tutors are a great way to get help with your studies, but it is important to be aware of the policies before you book a session.
Private tutoring may not be feasible for everyone. In addition, private lessons can sometimes be less flexible than self-paced courses, as you may need to work around your tutor’s schedule.
Self-paced courses
Advantages
Self-paced courses are a great option for those who want to learn at their own pace and don’t mind working independently. These courses usually come in the form of an online course or app, and they often include a variety of different learning materials, such as audio lessons, video lessons, and written exercises.
The courses are like a library with all the lessons you need to learn. They have pre-recorded video tutorials that allow you to study at your own pace and time.
One of the main advantages of self-paced courses is that they are usually much more affordable than private tutoring.
In addition, they are often more flexible, as you can study whenever and wherever you want. You can learn at any time, day or night, and you can take as long as you need to complete the course. This makes them ideal for busy people who want to learn a new language but don’t have a lot of free time.
Disadvantages
However, one of the downsides of self-paced courses is that they can sometimes be less effective than private tutoring, as it can be easy to get distracted or discouraged when working independently.When you’re not seeing progress as quickly as you would like, it can be tempting to give up.
Additionally, self-paced learning can be isolating since you’re not working with an instructor or other students. This can make it difficult to stay motivated and engaged in the material.
One of the disadvantages of self-paced language learning is that it can be difficult to get real-time feedback. When you are working at your own pace, there is no one around to correct your mistakes or offer advice on how to improve your pronunciation. This can lead to frustration, and it can be easy to give up if you feel like you are not making any progress.
Conclusion
It seems like there are pros and cons to both private tutoring and self-paced language learning. On the one hand, private tutoring gives you the chance to learn one-on-one with a native speaker, which can be very beneficial. On the other hand, self-paced language learning is often more affordable and can be more convenient since you can do it at your own pace.
Ultimately, it depends on what your goals are and what your budget is. If you’re looking for intensive language training, then a private tutor might be the best option for you. But if you’re just looking to learn the basics or brush up on your skills, then self-paced language learning could be a better fit.
Whichever route you choose, just make sure you’re committed to it and willing to put in the necessary effort to see results.
Which method do you prefer? Let me know in the comments!